Italian and Saudi Authorities Discuss Collaboration in Industry and Innovation
Senior officials from Italy and Saudi Arabia have explored opportunities to deepen cooperation in advanced manufacturing technologies and industrial innovation, underscoring growing bilateral engagement aligned with the Kingdom’s economic diversification goals.
Attilio Fontana, president of Italy’s Lombardy regional government, held talks with Bandar Alkhorayef, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, focusing on strengthening partnerships in key industrial and technology-driven sectors.
According to a statement following the meeting, discussions centered on fostering sustainable economic growth through knowledge-based industries and innovation-led development. Particular emphasis was placed on cooperation in healthcare, energy, and food-related industries, alongside industrial sectors supported by advanced manufacturing technologies.
Both sides also examined opportunities in emerging fields such as information technology and next-generation industrial solutions, reflecting shared ambitions to enhance competitiveness and industrial resilience.
The meeting followed Fontana’s participation in the Saudi-Italian Business Forum, where representatives from European business groups highlighted increasing interest among Italian firms in expanding their presence in the Saudi market.
Fontana was briefed that the European business federation, representing more than 7,000 companies, is actively seeking to scale up investments in the Kingdom by targeting opportunities aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. These efforts are expected to support industrial localization, technology transfer, and job creation.
Alkhorayef emphasized the strategic importance of industrial innovation, noting that Saudi Arabia’s regulatory framework and energy-related policies offer strong financial incentives and competitive advantages for global investors. He added that these factors continue to attract capital and accelerate the development of high-value industrial projects across the Kingdom.
The discussions reflect broader efforts by Saudi Arabia to position itself as a regional hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation-driven industries, while strengthening economic ties with European partners.
source: thearabianmirror
